ed to serve as a
flat keel. The axis is formed of a metallic float, from whence start radii
that form the skeleton of the framework, and that are designed for
connecting the center with five long spruce beams that form the angles of
the prism. To these beams are affixed the cross pieces that form the
openwork sides. Five long pieces of wood parallel with the beams, but not
so strong as they, protect the cross pieces and secure them against
breakage in the middle. All the angles of the breakwater and all points of
juncture of the pieces are protected with iron, and it is in order to
counterbalance the weight of all this iron that the central float is
used. Parallel with this first breakwater, there are two other and smaller
ones, which are designed for reducing the effect of rolling as much as
possible. Reduced to a single float, the breakwater might remain under the
waves too long, but, owing to the two others, it rights itself, warps
around, and always presents the spur of its sharp roof to the wave.

In order to prevent the breakwaters from clashing against each other, they
are united end to end in a very simple and ingenious manner. From each of
them there starts a deeply inserted iron bar which terminates in a journal
that permits the breakwater to oscillate. Between these two bars there is
a sort of swivel, whose pieces, in playing upon one another, give the
breakwaters elasticity, while always holding them apart (Fig. 4). From
each side of the swivel start the branches of a stirrup iron to which the
anchorage chain is attached. This latter is of steel, without solderings,
and it is so perfectly constructed that no breakage need be feared. To the
other extremity of the chain is attached an anchor having two flukes,
which both engage with the bottom.

Mr. Froideville proposes to set up two lines of these breakwaters, for a
length of about 71/2 kilometers, starting at the north from Cape Heve,
taking in depths of 15 meters (the best that are found in the Little
Roadstead), passing in front of the Eclat shoal and the heights, and
ending opposite the entrance of the present port.

The first row is designed for breaking the force of the waves, and the
second for lending its aid in times of high tempests, and stopping the
surge that has escaped from the first.

The extreme simplicity of this project has permitted its promoter to
affirm that in a few months, and with nine millions, he can inclose the
Havre roadstead.